COMMITTEE MEMBER ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

THE ROLE OF A COMMITTEE MEMBER

Committee members are the volunteer hands and feet of the organization.

Committees provide an opportunity to call in the special skills and abilities of each member and put their talents to work. Nonprofit committees allow members the proper time to research an issue in depth, analyze it and provide documentation to the executive director and full board to support their findings. Committee members should know how to work collaboratively to locate and evaluate data and investigate all avenues and alternatives. Committee members may also invite the input and experience of seasoned experts on a topic.

An effective committee is aware of their charge and limit of authority. Working together, they establish a reasonable timeline for the completion of the committee’s work. They will also know when their work is complete and when it’s an appropriate time to make final recommendations to the rest of the board and staff. All committee members should be passionate about the mission and must abide by the STN guiding principles and code of conduct.

STN has two types of committees: board and organization

COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD:

These committees are led by a board member. The main purpose of board committees is to place a greater amount of time and focus on a particular area of board business, which pertains to oversight and direction of the organization. These committees spend less time in performing routine matters, which gives them more dedicated time to thoroughly research and vet an issue before making recommendations to the full board and executive director. 

STN committees of the board may include, but are not limited to, Finance, Alumni, Executive, Governance, and Strategy.

COMMITTEES OF THE ORGANIZATION:

These committees are led by a staff member and include volunteer members such as teachers, board members and industry professionals. There are several committees that are based on the greater goals of the organization.

One committee, for example, could be established to involve prospective donors, offering them a forum to give advice as well as donate and fundraise. Another committee could be made up of those who are more representative of the community, such as young adults or alumni. Rather than fundraise, members of this committee could provide input on the organization's work and how to recruit new members.

Each committee meets regularly as decided by the staff lead and follows a specific meeting agenda. They decide next steps, delegate work and report back to the executive director, who shares information with the board of directors.

STN committees of the organization include, but are not limited to: Education & Programs, Convention, Fundraising & Donor Development, Membership & Marketing